Travelpack

Bogota - Cartagena

Overview

Embark on a journey through Colombia, starting in Bogotá with a stay exploring highlights such as the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, the historic La Candelaria district, Monserrate Hill, and Bogotá's renowned museums. Fly to Cartagena, where you'll discover the colonial charm of the walled city, visit iconic landmarks like Castillo de San Felipe and La Popa, and enjoy leisure time. A day trip to Isla del Encanto in the Rosario Islands offers a luxurious beach escape with lunch, drinks, and water activities. The tour ends with a transfer to the airport for your return to London.

Day 1: Arrive in Colombia
Fly from London to Bogota. Met on arrival and transferred to the hotel for a four-night stay in The Artisan D.C.
Hotel or similar.

Day 2: At Leisure
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore on your own

Day 3: Zipaquir Cathedral + Lunch
Private service with a guide in English. This tour begins with a panoramic drive through the northern part of the city, crossing the plains to the town of Zipaquirá, Colombia's salt mining capital, located just under 50 km from Bogotá. Zipaquir is famous for its Salt Cathedral, which was carved inside an active salt mine formed 250 million years ago, and houses the largest subway cross in the world. Although it is a popular tourist destination to visit, it is also a place of pilgrimage for the local community. Afterwards, you will have a quick view of the colonial town of Zipaquir and its main square, before returning to Bogota. Lunch is included during the tour at a local restaurant with a set menu. Notes: The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquir is not recommended for people who are claustrophobic. Also, please note that to visit churches, it is not allowed to wear shorts for men and women, or short skirts for women. 6 hours of duration.

Day 4: City Tour + Monserrate Hill with VIP Entrance
Private service with an English-speaking tour guide. The tour begins with a visit to the historical heart of Bogot, La Candelaria, and its splendid colonial architecture. Enjoy a stroll around Plaza de Bolivar, Bogota's main square, flanked by prominent colonial and Republican-era landmarks like the Cathedral, the Congress Palace, the Cardinals Palace, the colonial churches of El Sagrario and San Agustin, the Independence House, the Palace of Justice, and the City Hall. After La Candelaria, head east to Monserrate Hill for exceptional panoramic views of Bogotá. Continue to visit Bogota's Gold Museum, the world's largest collection of pre-Colombian gold, and a must-see when traveling to Colombia. The tour ends with a visit to Botero's Museum. The works on display are all donated by Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous contemporary artist. His work is well-known for large, exaggeratedly voluminous figures. In addition to his work, his art collection is also exhibited. Notes: The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays, and the Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays. Also, please bear in mind that when visiting churches and similar places, women should not wear shorts or miniskirts, and men should not wear shorts. Duration:5 hours. Skip the lines to go up and down, with a VIP entrance to Monserrate Hill, included in this package.

Day 5: Bogota - Cartagena
Transfer to the airport.
Met on arrival and transferred to the hotel for a five-night stay in Nacar Hotel Cartagena or similar.

Day 06: At Leisure
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore on your own

Day 7: City tour + Monuments of Cartagena (Historic Center)
Private service with English speaking driver. The tour begins at the Convent of La Popa, located on the highest hill of the city. From there, you will enjoy the best view of Cartagena. Continue with a visit to the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. This castle was built by the Spanish in the 17th century and is considered the largest fortification built in a Spanish colony. Located on top of the hill of San Lazaro, the castle was intended to protect and guard the city of Cartagena from any attack or invasion. This fort was built with a complex network of tunnels connected to different strategic points to facilitate communications, the distribution of supplies, and an evacuation by serving as escape routes. End the excursion with a visit to the Church of San Pedro de Claver. St. Ignatius of Loyola founded this convent in the early 17th century. The name of the church was given in honor of St. Peter Claver, a priest. Notes: Please remember that, when visiting the churches, monasteries, and sanctuaries, women and men should not wear shorts, and in the specific case of women, it is recommended not to wear miniskirts. The tour lasts 4 hours, and all entrance fees are included. San Pedro Claver is closed on Mondays, and the Popa can be visited by vehicles with a maximum of 17 people.

Day 8: At Leisure
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore on your own

Day 9: Cartagena
Private service with an English-speaking driver, hotel-to-hotel transfer. Regular or shared service by speedboat for the transfer from the dock to Isla del Encanto and back; this service is provided by Hotel Isla del Encanto. It's time to step outside the walled city and experience the beauty of one of the many islands located in the Rosario Islands: Isla Grande. The day starts at your hotel, where you will be picked up and transferred to the port. The boat is scheduled to depart at 9:00 a.m., but we must be at the port by 8:00 a.m., and the trip to the island takes approximately 60 minutes. Upon arrival, you will disembark and have time to explore the island or simply relax. You will return to Cartagena between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m. The excursion includes a welcome drink, lunch with a starter, main course, dessert, non-alcoholic beverage, and a glass of wine alongside coffee, tea, or herbal tea. Open Bar for 3 hours: water, soft drinks, national liquor from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and towels. Host for 5 hours. A large bed facing the sea, reserved in advance. Access to the Dolphin Pool and Daytour. A one-hour Jacuzzi reservation. A one-hour Kayak reservation. This service does not include guide assistance; only hotel staff are available on the island. The departure time from the island is scheduled between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m., depending on the tide, waves, and weather conditions. Occasionally, passengers may get sprayed or splashed by water due to wind conditions and high waves during the boat transfer.

Day 10: Cartagena / UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London.

What is included in the offer
• Return flights from Heathrow with 23kg baggage
• 4 nights at The Artisan D.C. HOTEL or Similar
• Tour Zipaquira Cathedral with Lunch
• City Tour and Monserrate Hill with VIP Entrance
• 5 nights at Nacar Hotel Cartagena, Curio Collection by Hilton or Similar
• City Tour and Monuments of Cartagena Historic Center
• Tour Rosario Islands Isla Grande
• Private return transfers

Prices & Departures:
Deposit £500pp
• Z85586 Heathrow from £4399pp

Terms & Conditions:
• Based on 2 adults sharing

Meal Plans